Bob Hunt Photographer

Category: MAC

Illinois State advanced to the second round of the WNIT for the third-consecutive year Thursday night as the Redbirds beat Central Michigan, 72-59, on Doug Collins Court at Redbird Arena. ISU (21-10) remained undefeated at home in 2011, extending its home-court win streak to a program-best 15 consecutive games. ISU’s defense held Central Michigan to its second-lowest point total of the season, forcing the Chippewas to commit 23 turnovers. Illinois State also teamed up to block eight shots, which tied for the second-most blocks by the Redbirds in a WNIT game. ISU shot 48 percent from the field, while Central Michigan shot 29 percent.

Kenyatta Shelton led Illinois State with a 10-point, 14-rebound double-double. Shelton has now grabbed 12 or more rebounds in three of the four WNIT games she has played in. Additionally, Shelton blocked four shots, which tied for the second-most blocks in a Redbird WNIT game. Shelton was also credited with four blocks against Rice in 2007. Shala Jackson was ISU’s top scorer, netting 19 points, while Katie Broadway scored 18.